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Samaritans prints "reverse graffiti" quotes on London pavements in suicide-prevention campaign

Samaritans, backed by the World Gold Council, has printed graffiti-style quotes on London pavements to encourage people to check in on those who may be struggling. Its commissioned research found only one in 10 Brits feel comfortable intervening.

2 outlets · 1L · 0C · 1R First reported Account updated
Image: Daily Mirror
Image: Daily Express

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The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2Samaritans has put graffiti-style quotes on London pavements as part of a campaign urging people to reach out to anyone they are worried about. Mixed · 2The quotes were printed using reverse graffiti in spots including Camden High Street and Whitfield Gardens, and the campaign is part of the World Gold Council's partnership with the charity. Left · 1Each quote measures around 1m by 1m and is based on the words of someone who says they were in a dark place but were helped by a timely intervention.

Mixed · 2The campaign, called Interruptions, aims to show how a simple act of connection could save a life by encouraging people to "interrupt" possible suicidal thoughts. The articles cite the figure that one in four people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. Mixed · 2Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley said suicidal thoughts can be interrupted and that people need not worry about saying the perfect thing: "interrupt and ask if they're OK, it could be life-saving." Mixed · 2Research commissioned by the charity, a OnePoll.com survey of 2,000 adults, found only one in 10 Brits feel comfortable intervening if they are worried about someone's wellbeing.

Mixed · 2In the survey, 32% feared saying the wrong thing, 18% did not know how to help after reaching out, 14% worried about damaging the relationship, a third feared making things worse and 27% did not want to invade privacy. Also, 29% regretted not reaching out, 85% believed a simple conversation can help, and 32% would not be confident spotting signs someone is struggling. Mixed · 2Half would act on a noticeable change in behaviour but only 15% on something the person said; 37% think society has become less caring over the past 10 years against 26% who disagree, and 79% think British culture makes people reluctant to get involved. Mixed · 2To feel more confident, 48% want better public education and 52% more awareness campaigns.

Mixed · 2James Spake, the World Gold Council's Global Marketing Head for EMEA, called the campaign "an important reminder" and said the council was proud to support Samaritans.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left1 outlet

Framing
The Mirror leads on the street campaign and puts Samaritans' life-saving message in the headline, then gives the survey findings in detail.
Emphasis
Bentley's quote and the survey statistics.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not say the graffiti is temporary or authorised, or how long it will stay.
Charged language
“sprays city streets”
For example
“Mental health charity sprays city streets in graffiti - 'it could be life-saving'” — Daily Mirror

Centre0 outlets

No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Right1 outlet

Framing
The Express presents the campaign as an 'important reminder' and gives similar content with the charity's aim to get people talking.
Emphasis
The World Gold Council quote and the survey figures.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not say how long the pavement messages will stay or whether they are authorised.
Charged language
“sprays graffiti”
For example
“Charity sprays graffiti on London streets as it issues 'important reminder'” — Daily Express